STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- We found Doug Johnstone unloading pots of purple pansies from a truck near the entrance to Silver Lake Golf Course on April 26, with blue-eyed Skye, his border collie, sitting nearby.

"Is spring finally here?" he asked. "Last year, we were cutting grass on March 5. I just checked my records," he said. "This year we started on April 7. We're one full month behind, growth-wise.

"The vineyard (on the grounds of the golf course) just broke bud yesterday," he added, noting that Skye Dog Vineyards had its first bottling last year.

Johnstone, who holds the golf course concession, said he was looking forward to upcoming events "under the tent" at The Veranda Cafe, including the third annual Cinco de Mayo party on May 5, with "live music from Screaming Broccolli and $2 tacos. It's from 4 to 10 p.m., and we're expecting a fun crowd again."